QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians
June 6, 2024
Senator Gold, I have to say it was refreshing yesterday to see you show some anger in regard to the issue of foreign interference, but it was disappointing, though, to see that anger directed toward me and not toward the Trudeau government, which has not taken any action in regard to foreign interference. Now, this morning, we see in the House committee your government making jokes.
When discussing the report of NSICOP, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, Liberal MP Jennifer O’Connell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and herself a former member of NSICOP, had this to say about the Conservatives who are frustrated with the government’s refusal to release the names of parliamentarians implicated in foreign interference: “Boo hoo, get over it!”
Seriously, Senator Gold, is that something you condone? Do you believe that is a serious way to respond to a serious issue? And what is the Trudeau government hiding in not willing to release, once and for all, the names of parliamentarians implicated in foreign interference? What are you hiding, Senator Gold?
Thank you for your question. As the RCMP has made very clear, “It is inappropriate at this time to speak to any specific incidents, much less divulge the names.”
I’m not going to comment on any classified elements that may involve individuals. No government, Senator Housakos, including the previous government, would discuss particularities of intelligence information publicly.
So, Senator Gold, are you saying this government has sent the names to the RCMP? Because, obviously, if the RCMP will open an investigation, it means the government is sharing that intelligence information. Please let us know if that’s the case, Senator Gold.
No, my understanding, Senator Housakos, is that the RCMP has confirmed that they were an active participant in the NSICOP review and provided detailed information about the RCMP’s knowledge and understanding of the threat. As I said, and I’m quoting again from the RCMP, “It would be inappropriate at this time to speak to any specific incidents . . . .”
